At today’s meeting in Moscow with Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak, Vice-President of the EU Commission Günther H. Oettinger reiterated his proposal to have an interim solution including an interim price.

Both agreed that a solution should contain the following four elements:

the interim price

the fulfilment of all supply and transit obligations

a repayment plan for the unpaid bills to be developed by the next few weeks

the use of OPAL pipeline

At the press conference following the bilateral meeting, Vice-President Oettinger said:

“We have to agree on an interim gas price for the next few months, while waiting for the Stockholm arbitration court to decide on the final price. In addition: Ukraine has to pay an account for the gas to be delivered in the months to come."

“Our main goal is to secure gas supply to the EU and its citizens, but also to the citizens in Russia, Ukraine, the Western Balkans, including accession countries and Moldova.”

Speaking about the worsening situation at the Eastern border of the Ukraine, Vice-President Oettinger expressed his concern:

"I came to Moscow to prepare the next trilateral gas talks as agreed in Minsk. At the same time, I have to express my concern. The news that Russian soldiers are operating inside Ukraine does not reflect the spirit of Minsk. Respecting the sovereignty of national borders is vital to preserve peace."